Job Summary
Operates and maintains the City's water production, treatment, and storage facilities.
Positions in the Water Production and Treatment Plant Operator class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the II-level may be filled by advancement from the I-level through a recruitment process.
The Water Production and Treatment Plant Operator I salary range is $77,424 to $95,580 annually.
The Water Production and Treatment Plant Operator II salary range is $85,152 to $105,132 annually.
Representative Duties
Operates and performs preventive and corrective maintenance on wells, booster pumps, treatment facilities, and reservoirs, including all mechanical, electrical, and electronic control equipment.
Operates pumps and related flow and pressure controls and storage facilities manually or by using a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system.
Maintains and adjusts system flow and pressure requirements; controls flows to meet consumer demands including fire flow demands and minimum pressure requirements.
Operates and assists in the installation of electronic control and telemetry equipment.
Performs routine chemical tests; determines and controls proper chemical dosage rates for wellhead disinfection, treatment process control, and distribution residual maintenance.
Investigates water quality problems in the distribution systems.
Pulls, resets, rehabilitates, disinfects, and tests potable water wells.
Drains, cleans, disinfects, and maintains distribution reservoirs and plant basins.
Drives City vehicle to production and storage facilities and delivers chemicals including calcium and sodium hypochlorite, sodium fluoride, and diesel fuel.
Prepares reports and maintains records of system operation and maintenance.
Enters, stores, and retrieves data, records, and other information using word processing and spreadsheet software applications.
Operates a drill press and other equipment to fabricate minor parts for use in the water system and control mechanisms.
Operates equipment such as a fork truck, power, and hand tools for the repair, fabrication, installation, and routine maintenance of plant grounds, facilities, and control systems.
Reads and interprets schematics, drawings, diagrams, blueprints, and related technical documentation.
Follows applicable safety rules and regulations.
Coordinates the work activities of contractors as assigned.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Knowledge of:
Principles, practices, tools, and materials required to maintain, operate, and control water treatment and production systems, reservoirs, and related infrastructure, facilities, and equipment
Principles, operational characteristics, and use of SCADA to monitor and control water treatment and production plant and facilities
Principles, practices, and techniques of handling and processing water samples and routine laboratory procedures
Principles, practices, methods, tools, and testing equipment used in the installation, maintenance, calibration, and repair of electrical, electronic, and mechanical equipment
Basic mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles
Operational characteristics, use of, and maintenance requirements of a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles, and equipment required for the work
Occupational hazards and safety equipment and practices related to the work, including confined space entry
Basic mathematics
Applicable federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility
Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed
Principles of customer service
Ability to:
Operate, monitor, and maintain water treatment and production systems, reservoirs, and related infrastructure, facilities, and equipment
Maintain safe and reliable water supply for customers
Calibrate, troubleshoot, and perform preventative and basic maintenance on plant systems and equipment
Recognize and correct or report unusual, inefficient, or dangerous operating conditions
Read a variety of gauges, charts, and meters; record data accurately and make appropriate process adjustments
Collect samples and perform routine chemical tests
Use test equipment in the installation, maintenance, calibration, and repair of electrical, electronic, and mechanical equipment
Learn and understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities
Read and interpret maps, schematics, drawings, diagrams, blueprints, and related technical documents
Work safely and adhere to principles of safety when working with chemicals
Make accurate mathematical calculations
Maintain accurate logs, records, work orders, and written records of work performed
Understand and follow oral and written instructions
Learn, understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed
Prioritize work and meet deadlines
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Use computer systems, standard office productivity and presentation software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
Provide effective customer service
REQUIREMENTS
Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
Graduation from high school or the equivalent
Experience:
Two years of recent, paid work experience in the operation and maintenance of a potable water treatment plant and/or similar water facility. Experience working with advanced oxidation and reverse osmosis water systems desirable.
Licenses and Certifications:
Possession of a valid Class C driver license. Must obtain a Hazmat endorsement issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles within one year from date of hire.
Possession of valid Grade II (D2) Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board).
Possession of a valid Grade III (D3) Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the State Water Board or ability to obtain the Grade III (D3) Water Distribution Operator Certificate within twelve (12) months from the date of appointment and to be maintained throughout employment.
Possession of a valid Grade II (T2) Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the State Water Board.
Possession of a valid Grade III (T3) Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the State Water Board or ability to obtain the Grade III (T3) Water Treatment Operator Certificate within twelve (12) months from the date of appointment and to be maintained throughout employment.
Supplemental Information
How to Apply:
Applicants must submit a completed on-line City Application along with any required supplemental application materials with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline. If you do not submit your on-line application by the filing deadline, you will not be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process.
If you would like for your certifications to be considered, you must attach a copy of your certifications to your online application. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than the filing deadline. Failure to do so may result in your application being evaluated without the education being considered.
Selection Process:
All applicants must submit clear, concise and complete information regarding your work history and qualifications for the position. All applicants will be reviewed and only those applicants determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process.
Testing may consist of a combination of any of the following and is subject to change as needs dictate:
Training and Experience Evaluation
Oral Interview
If three or more qualified City employees apply and pass the examination, a promotional list will be established in addition to an open-competitive list. If fewer than three qualified City employees pass the examination, the appointing authority, in accordance with the City's civil service rules and regulations, can decline to use a promotional list, in which case a promotional list will not be established for this position.
Background Investigation:
Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.
Inclusion & Diversity Statement
The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.
The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!
Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only).
Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.
